Fish On for Freedom will honor veterans with free fishing.

Fish On for Freedom is being modeled on the successful Tight Lines for Troops held annually in Manistee.

By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief.

LUDINGTON — A newly formed non-profit organization is paying tribute to veterans by offering a free fishing day on Lake Michigan. Fish On for Freedom will be held on June 25. It is open to any veteran of the Armed Forces.

“This is just another way for our community to say thank you to our veterans,” said Brad Hackert, who along with Adam Lamb, Shawn Pomorski and Adam Knudsen, created the event. “I travel a lot for my job. I didn’t serve in the military but am always seeing active military and veterans in the airports and I see the appreciation people give to them. It makes me proud and we just want to give something back. You can never really say thank you enough.”

“We live along the most beautiful fresh water lake in the world and have one of the best ports,” said Lamb. “Holding this event just makes sense. We want to pay tribute to all those who have served to protect our freedoms.”

Hackert and Lamb said they have sought a lot of advice from the organizers of Tight Lines for Troops, a similar event held in Manistee. “Those guys have been great to work with and to offer suggestions. They are excited to see another event that honors veterans,” Lamb said.

“This isn’t really about fishing,” Lamb said. “This is about camaraderie and community. We have several charter boat captains who are donating their time, along with many other volunteers and donors. It’s amazing how this community comes together.”

The event will take place no matter the weather conditions. “They’ll leave harbor early in the morning and then when they come back we’ll be serving them lunch at the American Legion here in Ludington,” Lamb said.

Participants will be taken out based on chronology of service, starting with World War II veterans, followed by Korean war era veterans, etc.

Those wishing to participate may sign up at the Fish On for Freedom Facebook page.

The group is also looking for volunteers and sponsors. Sponsorships start at $300

“We know this will become an event known around the state,” Lamb said. “While we want local veterans to participate, we welcome all veterans.”